Memory device controller

ABSTRACT

A controller for a memory device and methods are provided. The controller has an updateable register bank adapted to send a first signal to an analog/memory core of the memory device for controlling operation of the analog/memory core. The analog/memory core has an array of flash memory cells and supporting analog access circuitry. A bus controller is coupled to the register bank. The bus controller is adapted to receive a second signal from the register bank and to send a third signal to the register bank for updating the register bank. A select register is coupled to the register bank. A processor is coupled to the bus controller and the select register.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/722,110, filed Nov. 25, 2003, entitled “MEMORY DEVICE CONTROLLER,”which application is assigned to the assignee of the present inventionand the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference,and which application claims priority to Italian Patent ApplicationSerial No. RM2003A000354, filed Jul. 17, 2003, entitled “MEMORY DEVICECONTROLLER,” which is commonly assigned.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to controllers and in particularthe present invention relates to memory device controllers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A flash memory device is a type of electrically erasable programmableread-only memory (EEPROM) and is used for nonvolatile storage of data.Flash memory is being increasingly used to store execution codes anddata in portable electronic products, such as computer systems.

Flash memory devices are programmed and erased by sequences ofoperations (or algorithms). A program algorithm normally involvessequentially applying a programming pulse and a program-verify pulse toa set of memory cells of a flash memory device. This is repeated untilthe set of memory cells is programmed. An erase algorithm typicallycomprises a pre-programming cycle, an erase cycle, and a soft programcycle. The pre-programming cycle of the erase algorithm puts each memorycell in a programmed state by applying a program pulse to each row ofmemory cells. The soft program cycle or heal cycle corrects anyover-erased memory cells after the erase cycle has been completed byapplying a soft program pulse to the over-erased memory cells. This isoften referred to as compaction.

A control circuit (or algorithm controller) is used to manage thevarious steps of program and erase algorithms. For one application, thealgorithm controller executes a code stored on the controller andinteracts with hardware devices of the flash memory device, such asmemory cell address counters, pulse counters, pulse duration counters,or the like, that are external to the algorithm controller for causingthe hardware devices to perform various functions. Moreover, thealgorithm controller causes hardwired actuators of the memory devicethat are external to the algorithm controller to send actuator signalsto analog voltage generators of the memory device for controlling thevoltage generators during program, erase, or compaction operations. Theactuator signals also configure switches and control program verifyoperations. One problem with hardware devices and hardwired actuators isthat many of them are of a fixed design for a particular application andcannot be readily reconfigured or updated for other applications,thereby limiting versatility and reusability of the flash memory devicedesign.

For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below whichwill become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading andunderstanding the present specification, there is a need in the art foralternative algorithm controllers for memory devices, such as flashmemory devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a memory system according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a controller for a memory device accordingto another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates register fields for a register of the controller ofFIG. 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates instructions for the controller of FIG. 2 accordingto another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an expression of one or more of the instructions ofFIG. 4 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a bus controller according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a suspension controller according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in whichis shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which theinvention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describesubstantially similar components throughout the several views. Theseembodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilledin the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilizedand structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. The followingdetailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense,and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appendedclaims and equivalents thereof.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a memory system 100, such as a flash memorysystem, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Memorysystem 100 includes a memory device (or chip) 102, such as a nonvolatileor flash memory device, coupled to a command processor 104 forcontrolling basic operations of memory device 102. Memory device 102includes a command user interface (CUI) 106 coupled to a memory devicecontroller (or algorithm controller or micro-programmable controller(MPC)) 110 by control lines 112, 114, and 127. Micro-programmablecontroller 110 is coupled to an analog/memory core 116 by control lines118 and 120. For one embodiment, analog/memory core 116 has an array offlash memory cells (not shown) and supporting analog access circuitry(not shown). For another embodiment, the memory cells are floating-gatefield-effect transistors, and the supporting access circuitry includesvoltage generators for generating voltages, e.g., for programming orerasing the memory cells, various sets of fuses, etc. The memory systemhas been simplified to focus on features of the memory that are helpfulin understanding the invention.

Command user interface 106 decodes signals (or user commands) providedon one or more control lines 108 from command processor 104. Commanduser interface 106 generates control signals based on the user commandsand sends these control signals to micro-programmable controller 110 viacontrol line 112. For one embodiment, these control signals include arun signal (or command) 113 that can include an algorithm command (orsignal) that causes micro-programmable controller 110 to perform variousalgorithms, e.g., for performing program, program-verify, erase, orcompaction (recovery of over-erased cells) operations on the memorycells. For another embodiment, when the algorithm is completed,micro-programmable controller 110 sends a DONE signal to command userinterface 106 that informs command user interface 106, for example, thatan algorithm running on micro-programmable controller 110 has finishedand that another run signal 113 can be sent. For some embodiments, theDONE signal indicates whether a particular operation performed bymicro-programmable controller 110, such as a program, erase, orcompaction operation, has been successful or not.

For some embodiments, the user commands instruct command user interface106 to send a suspend command (or signal) 121 to micro-programmablecontroller 110 via control line 127 for suspending execution of acurrently running algorithm. For one embodiment, execution is suspendedfor changing the voltage levels being applied to a memory cell ofanalog/memory core 116, such as changing from a read voltage to aprogramming voltage or vice versa. Signals may also be sent from commanduser interface 106 to command processor 104 over line 122 for monitoringoperation of memory device 102. For one embodiment, these signalsinclude information about the status of memory device 102, such aswhether memory device 102 is available for read, busy, e.g., running analgorithm, an algorithm is suspended, etc.

For one embodiment, algorithms of micro-programmable controller 110control timing of actuator (or control) signals sent to analog/memorycore 116 of flash memory device 102 via control line 118. For someembodiments, the actuator signals include addresses of memory cells ofanalog/memory core 116. For other embodiments, micro-programmablecontroller 110 generates the addresses. For one embodiment, the controlsignals tell analog/memory core 116 which operation (or mode), such as aprogram, an erase, a compaction, a program-verify, etc., will beexecuted. This causes analog/memory core 116 to switch various circuitsto the corresponding mode. For one embodiment, the control signals causeone or more voltage circuits to send voltages, e.g., programmingvoltages, soft-programming voltages, program-verify voltages, etc., forthe corresponding mode to the memory cells. For example, control signalsmay instruct analog circuitry of analog/memory core 116 to apply aprogramming voltage, soft-programming voltage, program-verify voltage,etc. to the memory cells. For another embodiment, the control signalsare transmitted over control line 114 and include the DONE signal.

For another embodiment, feedback signals are sent from analog/memorycore 116 over a feedback line 120, e.g., to inform micro-programmablecontroller 110 whether the memory cells are programmed, erased, needreprogramming, etc. For some embodiments, the feedback signals are sentin response to inquiries sent from micro-programmable controller 110 toanalog/memory core 116, e.g., via control lines 118.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of micro-programmable controller 110 accordingto another embodiment of the present invention. Micro-programmablecontroller 110 includes register bank (RB) 130 having pages 132 ₁, to₁₃₂N. Each of pages 132 includes registers 134 ₁ to 134 _(M). For oneembodiment, M=8, and for another embodiment, each of registers 134 is a16-bit register. Each register 134 stores internal processing states,input signals received at register bank 130, etc. For some embodiments,the input signals come from various sets of fuses (not shown) ofanalog/memory core 116 and can include information about the number ofprogramming pulses, the voltage level of the programming pulses,duration of erase or programming cycles, etc. For other embodiments, theinput signals include the feedback signals discussed above inconjunction with FIG. 1. For one embodiment, the input signals arereceived on a bus 135 that for another embodiment includes four 16-bitbuses.

Each register 134 can be accessed in a read or write mode. For oneembodiment, the content of any one of registers 134 can be output onoutput buses 136 ₁ and 136 ₂. For another embodiment, data, e.g., 16-bitdata, can be stored in one of registers 134 by addressing the page 132containing the register 134 using three bits and addressing the register134 using two bits, i.e., using a total of five bits. For someembodiments, one or more of registers 134 are used to store values ofthe actuator signals. Register bank 130 transmits the actuator signalsto analog/memory core 116. For one embodiment, the actuator signals areoutput on a bus 138 that for another embodiment includes four 16-bitbuses.

For various embodiments, registers 134 include conventional registers,in which data are stored by setting the register, and hardwiredregisters for receiving the input signals. Registers 134 also includepulsing registers in which data can be updated during each operationcycle of micro-programmable controller 110.

Output buses 136 ₁ and 136 ₂ couple register bank 130 to a buscontroller (BC) 142. Bus controller 142 processes data stored inregisters 134 and provides data, e.g., addresses, instructions, etc., tobe loaded in registers 134. A transfer register (TR) 146 is coupled forinput to bus controller 142. Transfer register 146 is coupled for outputto register bank 130 by an input bus 154 that for one embodimentincludes three 16-bit buses. Transfer register 146 synchronizes data tobe stored in registers 134. That is, transfer register 146 sends thedata to registers 134 at a particular time during an operating cycle ofmicro-programmable controller 110.

Register bank 130 is coupled to a select register (SELR) 160. For oneembodiment, select register 160 selects one of registers 134 of one ofpages 132 of register bank 130 for register operations, such as dataread or write operations. Select register 160 and bus controller 142 arecoupled to a processor 162. Specifically, select register 160 and buscontroller 142 are coupled to an instruction decoder (IDEC) 166 ofprocessor 162. Instruction decoder 166 is coupled to an instructionregister (IR) 172 of processor 162. Instruction register 172 is coupledto a code-storage device 178, such as a read only memory (ROM), ofprocessor 162.

For one embodiment, code-storage device 178 includes an array, e.g., 256rows by 32 columns, of mask programmable memory cells, such as erasablecells or any other nonvolatile memory cell. Code-storage device 178contains all of the algorithms of micro-programmable controller 110.These algorithms cause micro-programmable controller 110 to performprogram, erase, program-verify, and compaction operations onanalog/memory core 116 as well as other operations.

Instruction register 172 receives an instruction from code-storagedevice 178 and stores the instruction, e.g., for one clock (oroperating) cycle of micro-programmable controller 110. Instructiondecoder 166 receives the instruction from instruction register 172 anddecodes the instruction. In response to some instructions, instructiondecoder 166 sends a control signal to select register 160 for causingselect register 160 to select one of registers 134 of one of pages 132.For example, a register may be selected to receive input signals fromanalog/memory core 116 or for outputting actuator signals toanalog/memory core 116 or command user interface 106. A register 134 maybe selected for sending data to bus controller 142 or receiving datafrom bus controller 142. The input signals and the data from buscontroller 142 update or change the contents of registers 134. For oneembodiment, this updates the actuator signals.

For some embodiments, instruction decoder 166 sends a control signal tobus controller 142 for causing to bus controller 142 to perform variousdata processing operations. For one embodiment, the control signalreceived at bus controller 142 from instruction decoder 166 includesdata. For other embodiments, bus controller 142 sends the data directlyto a register 134, processes the data and sends the processed data to aregister 134, combines the data with data received from a first ofregisters 134 and sends the combined data to the first or a second ofregisters 134, etc.

Instruction decoder 166 is coupled to a program counter over-rider (PCO)188 of processor 162. Program counter over-rider 188 is coupled to aprogram counter (PC) 194 of processor 162. Program counter 194 iscoupled to code-storage device 178. For one embodiment, program counterover-rider 188 loads program counter 194 with addresses of code-storagedevice 178 in response to instructions received from instruction decoder166. For another embodiment, program counter 194 sends the address tocode-storage device 178 and increments the address by one.

An expression checker (EC) 204 is coupled to processor 162, and morespecifically, to instruction decoder 166. Expression checker (EC) 204 isalso coupled to bus controller 142 by a bus 205 for receiving data frombus controller 142. For one embodiment, bus 205 includes two 16-bitbuses. For another embodiment, expression checker 204 determines whetherthe data is all zeros or ones, depending on the type of check beingperformed. Expression checker 204 sends a match signal 206 toinstruction decoder 166 indicating a match when the data is all zeros orall ones, depending on the type of check. Otherwise, the match signal206 indicates that no match has occurred.

Instruction decoder 166 is coupled to an asynchronous controllerinterface (ACI) 214. Asynchronous controller interface 214 is coupled tocommand user interface 106. Asynchronous controller interface 214receives commands from command user interface 106, such as run command113, e.g., including an algorithm signal (or command). Asynchronouscontroller interface 214 can also receive suspend signal (or command)121 from command processor 104 through command user interface 106 thatrequests the interrupt of the current operation during algorithmexecution by the micro-programmable controller 110. Asynchronouscontroller interface 214 can receive a halt instruction from instructiondecoder 166 when an algorithm is completed. In response to receiving thehalt instruction, asynchronous controller interface 214 sends the DONEsignal to command user interface 106. Asynchronous controller interface214 also transmits suspend command 121 to instruction decoder 166.

Program counter over-rider 188 is coupled to a starting addressmultiplexer (SAM) 230 of processor 162. Starting address multiplexer 230is coupled to a starting address table (SAT) 236 of processor 162 thatcontains the initial addresses of all the algorithms stored incode-storage device 178. Starting address multiplexer 230 receives analgorithm command from command user interface 106. The algorithm commandcauses starting address multiplexer 230 to select a starting address forthat algorithm command from starting address table (SAT) 236.

Starting address multiplexer 230 sends the starting address to programcounter over-rider 188 that loads the starting address into programcounter 194. For one embodiment, program counter 194 sends the startingaddress to code-storage device 178 and increments the starting addressby one. For various embodiments, program counter 194 increments thecurrent address by one in the absence of program counter over-rider 188receiving a signal from instruction decoder 166 or a starting addressfrom starting address multiplexer 230.

Micro-programmable controller 110 includes a clock generator 156 thatfor one embodiment has an internal oscillator and for another embodimenthas four phases that constitute one operating cycle. For one embodiment,program counter 194 receives phase-1 clock signals from clock generator156 for enabling program counter 194. During phase 1, program counter194 is updated and sends an address of code-storage device 178 tocode-storage device 178. For another embodiment, code storage device 178and register bank 130 receive phase-2 clock signals from clock generator156. During phase 2, code-storage device 178 is enabled, and aninstruction 244 stored at the address of code-storage device 178 is sentto instruction register 172 from code-storage device 178. For oneembodiment, the input signals from analog/memory core 116 are sampledand stored in one or more of registers 134 during phase 2. Sampling andstoring the input signals during a particular phase acts to synchronizemicro-programmable controller 110 with the rest of the chip.

Instruction decoder 166, select register 160, transfer register 146, andprogram counter 194 receive a phase-3 clock signal from clock generator156. During phase 3, instruction decoder 166 interprets instruction 244.That is, instruction decoder 166 causes micro-programmable controller110 to perform operations based on instruction 244. For one embodiment,instruction decoder 166 generates a signal depending upon the content ofinstruction 244. For example, instruction 244 may cause a signal to besent to select register 160 that causes data to be read from a register132 of register bank 130 specified in instruction 244 for output. Forexample, the data can be sent to bus controller 142 or to analog memorycore 116. Alternatively, instruction 244 may cause a signal to be sentto select register 160 that causes data to be loaded into a register132, e.g., from bus controller 142. Instruction 244 may cause a datasignal to be sent from instruction decoder 166 to bus controller 142.For one embodiment, bus controller may process the data signal and sendit to one of registers 134 for storage. For another embodiment, the datamay be combined with data from one of registers 134 and stored in thesame or another of registers 134. Instruction 244 may cause instructiondecoder 166 to send a halt command to asynchronous controller interface214 when an algorithm is completed.

Instruction 244 may include alternative instructions. A first of thealternative instructions may cause instruction decoder 166 to send acontrol signal to program counter over-rider 188 that causes programcounter over-rider 188 to cause program counter 194 to increment thepresent address of code-storage device 178 by one. A second of thealternative instructions causes instruction decoder 166 to send acontrol signal to program counter over-rider 188 that causes programcounter over-rider 188 to cause program counter 194 to be overridden,e.g., for jumping over a number of addresses of code-storage device 178(or of lines of the algorithm) to a jump address specified in theinstruction.

For one embodiment, the first or second alternative is selectedaccording to the match signal 206 received from expression checker 204at instruction decoder 166. When the match signal 206 indicates that amatch has occurred, the second alternative is selected. When a matchdoes not occur, the first alternative is selected.

Register bank 130 receives phase-4 clock signals. During phase 4, aregister 134 addressed by select register 134 is updated. For oneembodiment, this involves sending data that is processed by buscontroller 142 and held in transfer register 146 to the addressedregister 134.

FIG. 3 illustrates the register fields for a register 134 of registerbank 130 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Forone embodiment, register 134 has 16 bits. Data stored in register 134can be accessed by 16 bits (a word), 8 bits (a byte), or 4 bits (anibble). For another embodiment, a 16-bit word can be decomposed into aneight-bit high (or H) byte, e.g., a most significant byte, and aneight-bit low (or L) byte, e.g., a least significant byte. For oneembodiment, the H-byte includes bits 8-15 of the word and the L-bytebits 0-7. Each byte can be decomposed into a four-bit up (or U) nibble,e.g., a most significant nibble, and a four-bit down (or D) nibble,e.g., a least significant nibble. This means the 16-bit word can bedecomposed into a high-up (or HU) nibble, a high-down (or HD) nibble, alow-up (or LU) nibble, and a low-down (or LD) nibble, as shown in FIG.3. For another embodiment, the HU-nibble includes bits 12-15, theHD-nibble bits 8-11, the LU-nibble bits 4-7, and the LD nibble bits 0-3.

FIG. 4 illustrates instructions 244 ₁ to 244 ₁₃ according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. Each of the algorithms stored incode-storage device 178 includes one or more of instructions 244, e.g.,arranged in various sequences and/or appearing one or more times. Thepresent invention is not limited to 13 instructions, and in variousembodiments, there can be more or fewer than 13 instructions. For oneembodiment, each of instructions 244 includes 32 bits, e.g., numberedfrom 0 to 31. For another embodiment, bit 30 is not used, and bit 31 isa suspension flag. For other embodiments, when bit 31 is set to one (1),the corresponding instruction is suspendable, i.e., the suspension flagis on. For one embodiment, the flags are predetermined and are fixed.

Each of instructions 244 is distinguished by a bit (or operating) code402, which is fixed for one embodiment. Instruction decoder 166 uses theoperating codes 402 to identify the corresponding instruction. Operatingcodes 402 include 3 to 9 bits, for one embodiment.

Instructions 244 ₁ and 244 ₂ are conditional jump (JMP and JMPN,respectively) instructions each having an expression 406 and a jumpingaddress (jmp addr) 408. For one embodiment, expression 406 includes 19bits, and jumping address 408 is eight (8) bits. Instructions 244 ₁ and244 ₂ cause execution flow to be changed according to expression 406.For example, when expression 406 of instruction 244 ₁ is true orexpression 406 of instruction 244 ₂ is false, the execution flow jumpsto a line (or row) in the algorithm having an address that matches thespecified jumping address 408. When expression 406 of instruction 244 ₁is false or expression 406 of instruction 244 ₂ is true, the executionflow continues at the next line (or row) in the algorithm.

Specifically, when expression 406 is false, instruction decoder 166causes program counter over-rider 188 to cause program counter 194 toincrement the present of address of code-storage device 178 by one. Whenexpression 406 is true, instruction decoder 166 causes program counterover-rider 188 to cause program counter 194 to be overridden for ajumping over a number of addresses of code-storage device 178 to a lineof the algorithm corresponding to the specified jumping address 408.That is, program counter over-rider 188 loads the jumping address 408into program counter 194. The jumping address 408 is sent tocode-storage device 178, where code-storage device 178 responds byjumping to the line of the algorithm corresponding to the specifiedjumping address 408.

FIG. 5 illustrates an expression 406 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. For one embodiment, expression 406 can be CHK0 orCHK1. For another embodiment, expression 406 includes a three-bit bitcode 409, an eight-bit mask 410, a five-bit register address (reg) 412for addressing a register of 134 of register bank 130 (e.g., three bitsfor the page 132 containing the register 134 and two for the register134), and a bit 414 for specifying the H/L byte of the register 134corresponding to the register address 412.

For one embodiment, CHK0 is true when the bits of the addressed bytecorresponding to mask 410 are all zeros. Otherwise, CHK0 is false. Forthis embodiment, expression checker 204 indicates a match when the datareceived from bus controller 142 are all zeros.

For another embodiment, CHK1 is true when the bits of the addressed bytecorresponding to mask 410 are all ones. Otherwise, CHK1 is false. Forthis embodiment, expression checker 204 indicates a match when the datareceived from bus controller 142 are all ones.

Instruction 244 ₃ is a SET instruction having, for one embodiment,register address 412 and a 16-bit value 414. Instruction 244 ₃ causesvalue 414 to be stored in a register 134 corresponding to the registeraddress 412. For one embodiment, value 414 is an initial count used forcounting operations.

Instruction 244 ₄ is a set binary (SETB) instruction having, for oneembodiment, register address 412, value 414, and a 1/0 flag 416. Whenflag 416 is 0 (zero), only zeros of value 414 are stored in a register134 corresponding to the register address 412. When flag 416 is 1 (one),only ones of value 414 are stored in the register 134 corresponding tothe register address 412. The other bits of the register 134 are left asthey are.

Instruction 244 ₅ is a set masked by eight (SETM8) instruction having,for one embodiment, register address 412, an eight-bit value 418, mask410, and bit 414. Instruction 244 ₅ causes some of the bits of theaddressed byte to be masked and others to be unmasked and causes eachunmasked bit to be set to the value of a respective one of the bits ofvalue 418.

Instruction 244 ₆ is a transfer (SETX) instruction having, for oneembodiment, a five-bit source register address (source reg) 422 and afive-bit target register address (target reg) 424. Instruction 244 ₆causes four, eight, or 16 bits of a register 134 having source registeraddress 422 (e.g., a source register 134) to be loaded into a register134 having target register address 424 (e.g., a target register 134).For some embodiments, instruction 244 ₆ also includes fields forspecifying bytes and nibbles of source register 134 and target register134. HL1 and UD1 in FIG. 4 respectively correspond to a byte and anibble of source register 134, and HL2 and UD2 respectively correspondto a byte and a nibble of target register 134. Field X4 causes thenibble UD1 (or four bits) of source register 134 to be loaded in nibbleUD2 of target register 134. Field X8 causes the byte HLI (or 8 bits) ofsource register 134 to be loaded in byte HL2 of target register 134.

Instruction 244 ₇ is a return (RET) instruction having, for oneembodiment, register address 412 and bit 414. Instruction 244 ₇ causescode-storage device 178 to jump to a line within the algorithm whoseaddress is contained in the register address 412.

Instruction 244 ₈ is a CALL instruction having, for one embodiment,register address 412, bit 414, jump address 408, and an eight-bit returnaddress 426. Instruction 244 ₈ causes return address 426 to be stored inthe addressed byte (i.e., the H/L byte) of a register 134 havingregister address 412 and causes the execution flow to jump to a locationof code-storage device 178 corresponding to jump address 408.

Instruction 244 ₉ is an absolute jump (AJMP) instruction having for oneembodiment jump address 408. Instruction 244 ₉ causes the execution flowto jump to a location of code-storage device 178 corresponding to jumpaddress 408. Specifically, program counter over-rider 188 loads thejumping address 408 into program counter 194. The jumping address 408 issent to code-storage device 178, where code-storage device 178 respondsby jumping to the line of the algorithm corresponding to the specifiedjumping address 408.

Instructions 244 ₁₀ and 244 ₁₁ are jumps with decrement (DJMP and DJMPN,respectively) instructions having, for one embodiment, register address412 and jump address 408. Instructions 244 ₁₀ and 244 ₁₁ cause the valueof the word, byte, or nibble of the register 134 having register address412 to be decremented, e.g., by one. Instruction 244 ₁₁ causes executionflow to jump to a location of code-storage device 178 corresponding tojump address 408 if the result of the decrement is zero. Otherwise, theexecution continues at the next location in the algorithm. Instruction244 ₁₁ causes execution flow to jump to a location of code-storagedevice 178 corresponding to jump address 408 if the result of thedecrement is not zero. Otherwise, the execution continues at the nextlocation in the algorithm. HL and UD respectively correspond to a byteand a nibble of the register 134 having register address 412. Field X4specifies a nibble (4 bits) to be decremented. Field X8 specifies that abyte (8 bits) to be decremented. For various embodiments, instruction244 ₁₀ and 244 ₁₁ is used for counting operations. HL selects, dependingon its value, the higher or lower byte. UD selects, depending on itsvalue, the higher or lower nibble.

Instructions 244 ₁₂ and 244 ₁₃ are respectively no operation (NOP) andHALT instructions. For one embodiment, instructions 244 ₁₂ and 244 ₁₃each has a bit 428 that has a value of 0 (zero) for instruction 244 ₁₂and a value of 1 (one) for instruction 244 ₁₃. For another embodiment,bit 428 is the zeroth numbered bit of the 32 bits. Instruction 244 ₁₂causes program counter 194 to be incremented by one, whereas instruction244 ₁₃ causes execution flow to stop.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of bus controller 142 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. For one embodiment, bus controlleris a combinatorial logic circuit. Bus controller 142 can process datastored in registers 134 of register bank 130 and can provide data to beloaded into registers 134.

For various embodiments, bus controller 142 includes a displacer 600.For one embodiment, displacer 600 receives data 602 from a register 134,e.g., via output bus 136 ₁, and outputs data 604. Displacer 600 candisplace data of 602 contained in one byte or nibble of the data fieldto another byte or nibble of the data field, e.g., for multiplying ordividing the data. For example, with reference to FIG. 3, data containedin the L byte can be displaced to the H byte and vice versa. Displacer600 can also pass data 602 without performing any operations on data602, e.g., without displacing any data.

An arithmetic logic unit (ALU) 606 receives data 604 from displacer 600.Arithmetic logic unit 606 can also receive data 608 from instructiondecoder 166. For one embodiment, data 608 includes value 414 or value418 of the respective instructions 244 of FIG. 4. For anotherembodiment, arithmetic logic unit 606 decrements data, performs logicalAND and/or OR operations on data, masks data, etc. Arithmetic logic unit606 may perform operations on either data 604 or 608, such as maskingand/or decrementing, or perform operations on data 604 and 608 together,such as ANDing or ORing data 604 and 608, masking and/or decrementingthe result of the ANDing or ORing, etc.

Arithmetic logic unit 606 sends data 610 ₁ to 610 _(P) to a multiplexer612. For one embodiment, data 610 ₁ to 610 _(P) are the result ofdifferent processing operations performed by arithmetic logic unit 606.Multiplexer 612 selects one of data 610 ₁ to 610 _(P) , represented bydata 614, and sends the data 614 to multipexer 616 and/or multipexer618.

A multiplexer 620 receives data 622 and 624 from instruction decoder166. For one embodiment, data 622 is the data contained in bits 8-15 ofvalue 414 the respective instruction of FIG. 4, and data 622 is the datacontained in bits 0-7 of the value 414. In response to an instructionreceived from instruction decoder 166, multiplexer 620 selects eitherdata 622 or 624, represented by data 626, and sends the data 626 tomultipexer 618. For one embodiment, multipexer 618 also receives data604 from displacer 600. For another embodiment, multipexer 616 receivesdata 604 from displacer 600 and data 608 from instruction decoder 166.In response to an instruction received from instruction decoder 166,multiplexer 616 selects one of data 604, 608, and 614, represented bydata 628, and sends data 628 to a replacer 630. Multiplexer 618 selectsone of data 604, 614, and 626, represented by data 632, and sends data632 to replacer 630 in response to an instruction received frominstruction decoder 166. For another embodiment, data 628 or data 632 issent to replacer 630.

A multiplexer 634 receives data 602 and data 636 from differentregisters 134, e.g., respectively via output buses 136 ₁ and 136 ₂.Multiplexer 634 selects one of data 602 and 636, represented by data638, and sends data 638 to replacer 630 in response to an instructionreceived from instruction decoder 166. Replacer 630 outputs data 640and/or performs operations on data 640 in response to instructionsreceived from instruction decoder 166. For one embodiment, replacerpasses data 628, 632, or 638 as is, e.g., without performing anyoperations on the respective data. For another embodiment, replacer 630creates data 640, for example, using nibbles from data 628 and 638, fromdata 628 and 632, from data 632 and 638, or from data 628, 632, and 638.Replacer 640 sends data 640 to one of registers 134 via input bus 154.

For one embodiment, asynchronous controller interface 214 includes asuspension controller 700, illustrated in FIG. 7. Suspension controller700 acts to synchronize suspend command 121, which is asynchronous withrespect to clock generator 156. Suspend command 121 is asynchronous inthat it can be received at micro-programmable controller 110 at anytime,i.e., during any phase of clock generator 156. However, for variousembodiments, it is desirable that the suspend command 121 is executedduring a particular phase of clock generator 156.

Suspend command 121 is received at a latch 702, such as a D-latch, ofsuspension controller 700. Suspend command 121 is held in latch 702 aslong as run command 113 is active. For one embodiment, suspend command121 is held in latch 702 because subsequent user commands can causesuspend command 121 to be erased if suspend command 121 is not held inlatch 702. When a signal 706, such as a phase 2 signal of clockgenerator 156, is received at a latch 704, such as a D-latch, suspendcommand 121 is sent to an AND gate 708.

When signal 710 is logic high at AND gate 708, suspend command 121 issent to an AND gate 712. For one embodiment, signal 710 is sent when thesuspension flag of an instruction 244 that is addressed is on, i.e., bit31 of the addressed instruction is set to one (1). This means thatsuspend command 121 is held until a suspendable instruction 244 isaddressed. When a signal 714, such as a phase-3 signal of clockgenerator 156, is logic high at AND gate 712, suspend command 121 issent to a latch 716, such as a D-latch. Suspend command 121 is then sentfrom latch 716 to instruction decoder 166 for interpretation andexecution. For one embodiment, latch 716 enables suspend command 121 tobe removed (or disabled) by resetting latch 716. For other embodiments,latches 702, 704, and 716 are reset substantially simultaneously inresponse to a reset signal.

For one embodiment, micro-programmable controller 10 operates as acounter as follows: During phase 1 of clock generator 156, programcounter 194 sends an address to code storage device 178, where theaddress corresponds to a line of an algorithm of code storage device 178that contains a first instruction having an initial count, such as value414 of instruction 244 ₃ of FIG. 4. Then, program counter 194 isincremented by one. During phase 2 of clock generator 156, code storagedevice 178 sends the first instruction to instruction register 172,where the first instruction is held until phase 3 of clock generator156. During phase 3, the first instruction is sent to instructiondecoder 166. Instruction decoder 166 interprets the first instructionand sends a first signal to select register 160, where the first signalcorresponds to an address of a first register 134 in which the initialcount will be stored. Upon receiving the first signal, select registerselects the first register 134. Instruction decoder 166 also sends asecond signal to bus controller 142, where the second signal correspondsto the initial count. Bus controller 142 sends the initial count totransfer register 146. During phase 4 of clock generator 156, transferregister 146 sends the initial count to the first register 134. Thiscompletes one operating cycle (e.g., including the four phases) ofmicro-programmable controller 110.

During phase 1 of the next operating cycle, program counter 194 sends anaddress corresponding to a line of the algorithm of code storage device178 that contains a second instruction for decrementing the initialcount by one, such as instruction 244 ₁₀ of FIG. 4. Then, programcounter 194 is incremented by one. During phase 2, code storage device178 sends the second instruction to instruction register 172, where thesecond instruction is held until phase 3. During phase 3, the secondinstruction is sent to instruction decoder 166. Instruction decoder 166interprets the second instruction and sends a third signal to selectregister 160, where the third signal corresponds to the address of thefirst register 134 in which the initial count is stored. Upon receivingthe third signal, select register 160 selects the first register 134 andthe initial count is sent to bus controller 142. Instruction decoder 166also sends a fourth signal to bus controller 142 that causes buscontroller 142 to decrement the initial count by one to form a secondcount. Bus controller 142 sends the second count to transfer register146 and to expression checker 204.

Expression checker 204, for one embodiment, compares the second count tozero. When the second count is zero, expression checker 204 sends afirst match signal, indicative of a match, to expression decoder 166. Inresponse to receiving the first match signal, expression decoder 166sends a fifth signal, corresponding to a jump address included in thesecond instruction, to over-rider 188. For various embodiments, the jumpaddress corresponds to a line of the algorithm of code storage device178 that terminates counting. Transfer register 146 then sends thesecond count to the first register 134 or a second register 134 duringphase 4. When the second count is not zero, transfer register 146 sendsthe second count to the first register 134 or the second register 134during phase 4, and the above process repeats until the count is zero.

For some embodiments, an actuator signal is sent, e.g., from a thirdregister 134, to analog/memory core 116 during each operating cycle,e.g., during phase 3 before the second count is sent to the first orsecond register. For one embodiment, the initial count corresponds to anumber of voltage pulses to be applied to the memory cells, and theactuator causes one or more voltage circuits of analog/memory core 116to send the voltage pulse to the memory cells. In this way,micro-programmable controller 110 acts as a pulse counter.

For another embodiment, the above counting method is used as an addresscounter for selecting and keeping track of addresses of analog/memorycore 116, e.g. addresses of individual memory cells, rows of an array ofthe memory cells, etc. In this embodiment, an actuator signal containingan address of analog/memory core 116 is sent, e.g., from a thirdregister 134, during each operating cycle to analog/memory core 116,e.g., during phase 3 before the second count is sent to the first orsecond register. During each operating cycle, the address isincremented. For one embodiment, the address is incremented by sendingthe address from one of registers 134 to bus controller 142. Buscontroller 142 increments the address and sends the incremented addressto the same or another one of registers 134.

It is apparent that the initial count corresponds to a number of cyclesexecuted by micro-programmable controller 110. Moreover, each cycle isexecuted during a cycle time. Therefore, the initial count cancorrespond to a time, e.g., the time it takes to execute the number ofoperating cycles corresponding to the initial count. For one embodiment,at a start of a count, an actuator signal is sent, e.g., from a thirdregister 134, to analog/memory core 116 for activating a voltage pulsein the memory core. At the end of the count, e.g., when the initialcount is counted down to zero, another actuator signal is sent, e.g.,from a fourth register 134, to analog/memory core 116 for deactivatingthe voltage pulse. In this way, the voltage pulse is applied for thetime it takes to execute the number of operating cycles corresponding tothe initial count and thus micro-programmable controller 110 can be usedas a pulse duration counter.

CONCLUSION

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose maybe substituted for the specific embodiments shown. Many adaptations ofthe invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.Accordingly, this application is intended to cover any adaptations orvariations of the invention. It is manifestly intended that thisinvention be limited only by the following claims and equivalentsthereof.

1. A method of operating a memory device controller, the methodcomprising: decrementing a number at a bus controller of the memorydevice controller when the number is not at a predetermined value; goingto a next address of an algorithm of the memory device controller whenthe number is not at the predetermined value; jumping over one or moreaddresses of the algorithm when the number is at the predeterminedvalue; and sending the number to a register bank of the memory devicecontroller.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving thenumber at the bus controller from the register bank before decrementingthe number.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, beforedecrementing the number: receiving the number at the bus controller froma processor of the memory device controller; and sending the number tothe register bank.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising checkingthe number at an expression checker of the memory device controllerafter decrementing the number to determine whether the number is at thepredetermined value.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprisingreceiving a control signal at the bus controller from a processor of thememory device controller that causes the bus controller to decrement thenumber.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending a controlsignal from the register bank to an analog/memory core of the memorydevice before sending the number to the register bank.
 7. A method ofoperating a memory device controller, the method comprising: receiving anumber at a bus controller of the memory device controller from aregister bank of the memory device controller; decrementing the numberat the bus controller when the number is not at a predetermined value;checking the decremented number at an expression checker of the memorydevice controller to determine whether the decremented number is at thepredetermined value; going to a next address of an algorithm of thememory device controller when the decremented number is not at thepredetermined value; jumping over one or more addresses of the algorithmwhen the decremented number is at the predetermined value; and sendingthe decremented number to the register bank of the memory devicecontroller.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising receiving acontrol signal at the bus controller from a processor of the memorydevice controller that causes the bus controller to decrement thenumber.
 9. The method of claim 7, further comprising sending a controlsignal from the register bank to an analog/memory core of the memorydevice before sending the decremented number to the register bank.
 10. Amethod of operating a memory device controller, the method comprising:receiving a number at a bus controller of the memory device controllerfrom a processor of the memory device controller; sending the number toa register bank of the memory device controller from the bus controller;receiving the number from the register bank at the bus controller;decrementing the number from the register bank at the bus controllerwhen the number is not at a predetermined value; checking thedecremented number at an expression checker of the memory devicecontroller to determine whether the decremented number is at thepredetermined value; going to a next address of an algorithm of thememory device controller when the decremented number is not at thepredetermined value; jumping over one or more addresses of the algorithmwhen the decremented number is at the predetermined value; and sendingthe decremented number to the register bank of the memory devicecontroller.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising receiving acontrol signal at the bus controller from a processor of the memorydevice controller that causes the bus controller to decrement thenumber.
 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising sending a controlsignal from the register bank to an analog/memory core of the memorydevice before sending the decremented number to the register bank.
 13. Amethod of operating a memory device controller, the method comprising:receiving a number at a bus controller of the memory device controllerfrom a register bank of the memory device controller; receiving a firstcontrol signal at the bus controller from a processor of the memorydevice controller; decrementing the number at the bus controller inresponse to receiving the first control signal when the number is not ata predetermined value; checking the decremented number at an expressionchecker of the memory device controller to determine whether thedecremented number is at the predetermined value; going to a nextaddress of an algorithm of the memory device controller when thedecremented number is not at the predetermined value; jumping over oneor more addresses of the algorithm when the decremented number is at thepredetermined value; sending a second control signal from the registerbank to an analog/memory core of the memory device; and sending thedecremented number to the register bank of the memory device controller.14. A method of operating a memory device controller, the methodcomprising: receiving a number at a bus controller of the memory devicecontroller from a processor of the memory device controller; sending thenumber to a register bank of the memory device controller from the buscontroller; receiving the number from the register bank at the buscontroller; receiving a first control signal at the bus controller fromthe processor of the memory device controller; decrementing the numberfrom the register bank at the bus controller in response to receivingthe first control signal when the number is not at a predeterminedvalue; checking the decremented number at an expression checker of thememory device controller to determine whether the decremented number isat the predetermined value; going to a next address of an algorithm ofthe memory device controller when the decremented number is not at thepredetermined value; jumping over one or more addresses of the algorithmwhen the decremented number is at the predetermined value; sending asecond control signal from the register bank to an analog/memory core ofthe memory device; and sending the decremented number to the registerbank of the memory device controller.
 15. A method of operating a memorydevice controller, the method comprising: receiving a number at a buscontroller of the memory device controller from a first register of aregister bank of the memory device controller; decrementing the numberat the bus controller when the number is not at a predetermined value;checking the decremented number at an expression checker of the memorydevice controller to determine whether the decremented number is at thepredetermined value; going to a next address of an algorithm of thememory device controller when the decremented number is not at thepredetermined value; jumping over one or more addresses of the algorithmwhen the decremented number is at the predetermined value; and sendingthe decremented number to the first register or a second register of theregister bank of the memory device controller.
 16. The method of claim15, further comprising sending a control signal from a third register ofthe register bank to an analog/memory core of the memory device beforesending the decremented number to the first register or the secondregister of the register bank.
 17. A method of operating a memory devicecontroller, the method comprising: receiving a number at a buscontroller of the memory device controller from a processor of thememory device controller; sending the number to a first register of aregister bank of the memory device controller from the bus controller;receiving the number from the first register of the register bank at thebus controller; decrementing the number from the first register at thebus controller when the number is not at a predetermined value; checkingthe decremented number at an expression checker of the memory devicecontroller to determine whether the decremented number is at thepredetermined value; going to a next address of an algorithm of thememory device controller when the decremented number is not at thepredetermined value; jumping over one or more addresses of the algorithmwhen the decremented number is at the predetermined value; and sendingthe decremented number to the first register or a second register of theregister bank of the memory device controller.
 18. The method of claim17, further comprising sending a control signal from a third register ofthe register bank to an analog/memory core of the memory device beforesending the decremented number to the first register or the secondregister of the register bank.
 19. A method of operating a memory devicecontroller, the method comprising: receiving a number at a buscontroller of the memory device controller from a first register of aregister bank of the memory device controller; receiving a first controlsignal at the bus controller from a processor of the memory devicecontroller; decrementing the number at the bus controller in response toreceiving the first control signal when the number is not at apredetermined value; checking the decremented number at an expressionchecker of the memory device controller to determine whether thedecremented number is at the predetermined value; going to a nextaddress of an algorithm of the memory device controller when thedecremented number is not at the predetermined value; jumping over oneor more addresses of the algorithm when the decremented number is at thepredetermined value; sending a second control signal from a secondregister of the register bank to an analog/memory core of the memorydevice; and sending the decremented number to the first register or athird register of the register bank of the memory device controller. 20.A method of operating a memory device controller, the method comprising:receiving a number at a bus controller of the memory device controllerfrom a processor of the memory device controller; sending the number toa first register of a register bank of the memory device controller fromthe bus controller; receiving the number from the first register of theregister bank at the bus controller; receiving a first control signal atthe bus controller from the processor of the memory device controller;decrementing the number from the first register at the bus controller inresponse to receiving the first control signal when the number is not ata predetermined value; checking the decremented number at an expressionchecker of the memory device controller to determine whether thedecremented number is at the predetermined value; going to a nextaddress of an algorithm of the memory device controller when thedecremented number is not at the predetermined value; jumping over oneor more addresses of the algorithm when the decremented number is at thepredetermined value; sending a second control signal from a secondregister of the register bank to an analog/memory core of the memorydevice; and sending the decremented number to the first register or athird register of the register bank of the memory device controller.